Cully Payne granted release from Alabama

Schaumburg senior Cully Payne was granted his release Monday from his letter of intent with the Alabama men's basketball program.

Payne, the Daily Herald Cook County All-Area honorary captain, signed with Alabama in November. But those plans changed when head coach Mark Gottfried resigned in January.

Alabama officially introduced Anthony Grant, who had been at Virginia Commonwealth, as its new head coach Sunday.

Payne's dad Kent said in an e-mail that Cully is planning to visit Washington State soon. The regular signing period for basketball starts April 15.

Payne originally committed to DePaul as an eighth grader. He averaged 22 points a game in 16 games this season before suffering a season-ending back injury.

Payne is expected to play in the third annual Chicago High School Classic for some of the area's top seniors at 8 p.m. Friday at Niles North High School in Skokie.

Marshall's Darius Smith has also committed to play in Friday's game and will be on the South team roster. Naperville North's Drew Crawford will move to the North roster which includes Payne and Warren's Brandon Paul.

There will be a slam dunk contest and CN100 3-point contest before the game at 7 p.m.

'Prez' to Whitewater: Prospect senior Mike Przespolewski, a Daily Herald All-Area football selection, has committed to play at Wisconsin-Whitewater. The versatile Przespolewski will play wide receiver and plans to major in physical education with a minor in coaching.